Country music legend Randy Travis will make a triumphant return to the stage in Little Rock on Saturday as part of his ongoing “The More Life Tour.” The performance at the Robinson Center Performance Hall will celebrate Travis’ illustrious career, featuring a collection of 16 chart-topping classics alongside his original touring band and singer James Dupré.
This tour, presented in Little Rock by 105.1 The Wolf, marks Travis’ first major tour since suffering a stroke in 2013, which left him with severe aphasia—a condition that impairs speech and language. Despite the challenges, Travis is back on the road, sharing the stage with his band, including Steve Hinson, David Johnson, Bill Cook, Joe Van Dyke, and William Bagby. Dupré, who met Travis while filming “The Price”, has stepped in to handle vocals for the shows.
“We’re all having a blast—Randy, the band, James, and the audience,” said Mary Travis, speaking on behalf of her husband during a phone interview. “For Randy, there’s nothing like being on stage, surrounded by his fans, doing what he loves. He misses it more than anything.” Travis and his wife will engage with the crowd and participate in the show, ensuring an intimate connection with fans.
Travis, a native of Marshville, North Carolina, was a key figure in the neotraditionalist country movement of the mid-1980s. His breakthrough album, “Storms of Life” (1986), sold over 3 million copies and included timeless hits like “On the Other Hand,” “No Place Like Home,” and “Diggin’ Up Bones.” His extensive discography includes more than 20 studio albums, such as “Always & Forever,” “Old 8×10,” “No Holdin’ Back,” “Heroes and Friends,” and “High Lonesome.”
In addition to returning to the road in 2024, Travis has released a new song titled “Where That Came From,” which was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence. Collaborating with his longtime producer Kyle Lehning, Travis utilized AI to recreate his iconic voice by drawing from 45 of his past recordings. The track also features Dupré’s voice as a surrogate in the process.
“There are a lot of concerns about AI, especially when used fraudulently,” said Mary Travis. “But when it brings something as precious as Randy’s voice back, under his direction, it’s hard not to see the potential for good.”
While the process of producing the track took 11 months, fans can expect more new music soon. Although Mary couldn’t provide specific details, she hinted that something “unbelievable” might be coming in the near future.
For more information about Randy Travis’ tour and upcoming releases, visit his official website.
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